Funding for Operation Grange – Scotland Yard’s investigation into Maddie’s disappearance in Praia da Luz in Portugal in May 2007 – was due to run out at the end of September, raising question marks over whether it would continue.

But the Home Office has confirmed that it is considering an application from Scotland Yard for more cash to continue the search.

In a blog published on Wednesday, it said: “We have received and are considering a request from the Metropolitan Police Service to extend funding for Operation Grange until the end of March 2019.

“The Home Office maintains an ongoing dialogue with the MPS regarding funding for Operation Grange.”